Thursday, June 3, 2010

Hill Repeats

Last night I didn’t do my normal WWW St. John’s ride. I did miss riding with my peeps but I needed to get some hill training in. It wasn’t too horrible. I am feeling a lot stronger than I used to when it comes to inclines but I am no where near feeling like superman yet.

I left from my house last night and rode 6 miles out towards the airport. The only “hill” that is close to my house is the overpass on Heintzelman Blvd that goes over the 528. I know that it is sad to think that I am doing hill training on a overpass but it seems to work. I felt a lot of burning in my quads all the while I was repeating to myself, push and pull the pedals, push and pull the pedals. Amazingly enough it worked. It also kept my mind off the fact that I was climbing the incline. I made it to the top in record time! (for me anyway) The way down was a lot more fun but it was short lived because of the red light at the bottom. OF course I hit the red light. On ever repeat that I did (4 of them) I found the red light. What a pain in the butt. LOL

In all I did 4 repeats of the overpass and 19.5 miles. I averaged 16 mph amazingly enough. That was will a horrible headwind on the way out and down Heintzelman’s and a wonderful tailwind on the way back. Mother Nature did play a cruel game on me though. I was the furthest point out on my ride when I started to get sprinkled on. As refreshing as it felt I was really concerned that I was going to get caught in a downpour. Thankfully it held off until I get back to the house. I love you Mother Nature.

I did pretty good last night. I still am worried about the strength that I am lacking when it comes to climbing the hills or even pulling a slight incline. I am just hoping that in the next few weeks as the weight continues to come off and the strength training continues that I will find a little more confidence in my ability. Keep your fingers crossed.

Today is my rest day and so far I am loving it. I had a nice picnic lunch with a book and tonight I will be working on cleaning up the pool for a big graduation party we are having for my niece on Saturday. Who knows I might even be able to stay awake until Paul gets home from work.